The possibility of trading maligned guard Markelle Fultz is limited for the Philadelphia 76ers, yet going one slot up on their point guard rotation could net significantly better returns. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who appeared as a guest in The Russillo Show, T.J. McConnell — who has taken most of Fultz's minutes since leaving to consult a specialist to diagnose his injury woes — could fetch as much as a first-round pick in return during trade talks.
“I’m very confident T.J. could have gotten Philadelphia a first-round pick the last few weeks,” said Wojnarowski.
T.J. McConnell doesn't have nearly the same ceiling or athletic ability as Fultz possesses, but he is already a known pest at the defensive side of the ball, a bona fide hustler on the court, and a lion for his size at a mere 6-foot-2.
The 26-year-old likely doesn't have much untapped potential, as a team could potentially see with Fultz, but the Arizona product does minimize the risk factor a great lot, giving a team its money's worth from the get-go.
T.J. McConnell has proved to be a fan and locker room favorite, thanks to his winning mentality and willingness to put his body on the line to make intangible plays for his team.
While teams won't necessarily give out a top-15 selection for someone with capped upside, getting a pick between the 15th and 30th spot could be a decent return for a player who is offensively limited — should the Sixers ever decide to trade him.
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